Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by tanya

Slab Injury Risk for Stonemasons

 

Can You Claim Compensation ?

 

Exposed to various occupational hazards, slab injury risk for stonemasons is a significant hazard. Whether a stonemason is cutting, lifting or installing, the risk of injury can range from crushed fingers to serious fractures.

This type of accident happens when a slab falls or tips over. However, injuries may occur if your employer has been negligent. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you will need to be able to show that your injury was caused through no fault of your own.

For advice on how to proceed with a claim for compensation, First Personal Injury may be able to help. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

Why Do Slab Injuries Happen?

 

Here are some of they key reasons behind the slab injury risk for stonemasons:

 

Heavy Lifting Gone Wrong: Slabs are typically extremely heavy. If you’re moving them without the right lifting techniques or enough help from co-workers, there is a high risk of injury.

 

Slabs Falling Over: Storing slabs upright without securing them properly may become an accident waiting to happen. A sudden shift in weight can send a slab toppling over. This has the potential for severe injuries.

 

Unsafe Equipment: If cranes, hoists, and suction lifters are poorly maintained or used incorrectly, slabs may come crashing down when you least expect it.

 

Slippery or Uneven Surfaces: Wet floors, dust, or bumpy workspaces make handling stone slabs even riskier. A simple slip while carrying a heavy load can turn into a serious injury.

 

Lack of Training: You and your team should be trained in how to handle slabs correctly. This may include lifting techniques, equipment use and workplace safety procedures.

 

Typical Injuries Caused by Slabs

 

Slab accidents, particularly those involving marble, granite, quartz, or other heavy stone slabs, can lead to very serious injuries. These may include:

 

Crushing Injuries

When a slab falls or shifts unexpectedly, it can crush limbs, causing fractures, amputations, or severe compression injuries.

 

Fractures And Broken Bones

Hands, feet, legs, and arms are commonly fractured due to slabs falling or pinning workers.

 

Head & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Workers struck by a falling slab may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or other serious head trauma.

 

Lacerations & Deep Cuts

Sharp edges of stone slabs can cause deep cuts, leading to blood loss and potential nerve damage.

 

Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Heavy lifting or falling slabs can cause severe back strain, herniated discs, paralysis, or permanent spinal damage.

 

Crush Asphyxiation

If a worker is pinned beneath a slab, their chest may be compressed, leading to suffocation.

 

Sprains & Strains

Lifting, moving, or stabilising slabs improperly can lead to muscle strains, torn ligaments, and long-term joint problems.

 

Here’s How to Claim Compensation

 

Even with all the right precautions, accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured because of employer negligence, you could be entitled to compensation.

You will need to gather proof that the accident happened because of negligence. You will also have to show that the injury was a direct result of your employer’s negligence. That means keeping medical records, taking photos of the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and documenting any unsafe working conditions.

Typically, compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and even pain and suffering.

 

At First Personal Injury, we work with experienced personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Our expert team will guide you through the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or complete our online contact form.